Sony Michel quits his job

Jul 26, 2023; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Sony Michel (24) during training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

IRVINE, California — Rams head coach Sean McVay said that running back Sony Michel is leaving the team after Saturday’s training camp practice.

McVay said that he and Michel talked Saturday morning, and that’s when Michel told him what he would do.

“Just being around him again these last few days has made me realize how much of an impact he has and how hard this guy works,” McVay said. “I think if you look at what he did at Georgia, during his rookie year when he broke my heart in ’18, and in New England, where he did a great job, you can see that he was a huge part of our Super Bowl team a few years ago. He is the epitome of a pro, a great competitor, and his next chapter will be exciting. He has so many gifts that he can give to other people. We’ll hope for the best for him. It’s a shame, but he feels like his body is talking to him, and I have nothing but respect for how hard he works as a competitor. We love Sony, and we will keep in touch.”

McVay said that Michel told him how he was feeling physically and what some of his thoughts were during that conversation. McVay said the most important thing is that Michel knows what he wants and is happy with his choice.

McVay said, “I was sad for us but happy for him.” “I know he put a lot of work into this game and should be very proud of what he’s done. I can’t wait to see what will happen in his next chapter.”

Now 28 years old, Michel ends his NFL career with 779 carries for 3,243 yards and 18 touchdowns over five seasons with the Patriots, Rams, and Chargers.

He also had 56 catches for 439 yards and two touchdowns. He started in 35 of the 65 games he played in his career, and he won the Super Bowl twice, with the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII and the Rams in Super Bowl LVI.

In 2018, the Patriots took him with the 31st pick in the draft’s first round. He had been a star at the University of Georgia.

McVay said that the Rams will look to add someone to the running back room now that Michel is leaving.

“Right now, Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, Zach Evans, and Ronnie Rivers have all done a good job at running back,” McVay said. “But I do think that room needs at least a fifth person and maybe even a sixth. It doesn’t matter if it’s a veteran or not. So let’s take a look at someone.”